Is China Becoming a Dangerous Superpower - Assignment Example

Judging from China’s economic and political growth, it is highly likely that China, at one time might intend to become a superpower. While taking into account, the “long-cycle theory”, which stipulates that a hegemon after being in power for some time is likely to be challenged by an upcoming superpower, thus, China seems to be the perfect challenger. Even though China intends to become a superpower, it will be difficult for it to achieve this goal since; the world in the past century has embraced the culture of avoiding an all-out war.

Moreover, the United States cannot let its place as the number one in the world be taken since it is aware of the bloodshed, which can be witnessed if such a takeover occurs through a great-power war. Yes, when China becomes a superpower, there are many indications that it will threaten the US. These threats will be; political, social, and economic. Firstly, the political threats that China will foster will be the enforcement of authoritarian governments, instead of promoting democracy.

China has a reputation for governing its citizens through authoritarian rule. Superpowers maintain their number one position by influencing other nations and governments; therefore, for China to cement its leadership, it will influence various governments to become authoritarian, and this in the process will kill freedom and democracy. Secondly, as a superpower, China would threaten the US by spreading its ideology of communism while denouncing the ideology of capitalism. Thirdly, in recent years, China’s economic influence, particularly with African and Asian countries has been on a steady rise.

While considering the above, when China becomes a superpower, it is beyond imagination how its economic influence will continue to grow. The overwhelming economic growth of China will be a great threat to the US economy. The US strategy towards China should start with the US ensuring that it maintains its position as the world’s superpower. The US ought to show that it is powerful enough, and is not willing to give up its superpower position. Any weakness displayed by the US will allow China to prepare itself as the “hegemon” challenger, and China will seek to rise to power either through; an all-out war or a cold war.

When the rules of engagement change to either an all-out war or a cold war, it will be very bloody and expensive for the US to participate, and so, the US should ensure that China does not challenge it to that extent. Moreover, the strategy should involve countering the continued prosperity of China’s global economic influence. This is the real threat since as China’s economy strengthens; the economy in the US weakens.